Do you find yourself making middle-grade book suggestions ALL. THE. TIME? When we are not reading, we are searching for more to read so we are prepared to give recommendations to our students.
Let’s be honest, there are hundreds of books to discuss out there and it feels like we are discovering new middle-grade books every day! In the interest of time, here are a few favorites that are sparking my student’s interest.
Here are a few of my favorite middle grade books.
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Middle Grade Book Suggestions #1
Alone is a gripping novel in verse that tells the story of Maddie, a young girl who finds herself stranded in a remote wilderness cabin when her family unexpectedly leaves.
She has to grapple with solitude, uncertainty, and the challenges of survival. This book is excellent for middle school ELA teachers to read because it explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of poetry as a form of self-expression.
Middle Grade Book Suggestions #2
Serafina and The Black Cloak by Robert Beatty
A brave and unusual girl named Serafina lives secretly in the basement of the grand Biltmore Estate amidst the splendor of the Gilded Age.
Serafina’s pa, the estate’s maintenance man, has warned her to keep herself hidden from the fancy folk who live on the floors above, but when children at the estate start disappearing, Serafina and her friend Braeden Vanderbilt must work together to solve a dark and dangerous mystery.
Middle Grade Book Suggestions #3 & #4
Scythe and Unwind by Neil Shusterman
These two dystopian novels offer a thought-provoking exploration of ethical and moral dilemmas in a futuristic society.
Scythe takes place in a world where death has been conquered, and scythes are tasked with ‘gleaning’ to control the population.
Unwind is set in a society where unwanted teens are ‘unwound’ for their body parts.
Middle Grade Book Suggestions #5
The Magical Imperfect by Chris Baron
Etan has stopped speaking since his mother left. His father and grandfather don’t know how to help him. His friends have given up on him.
When Etan is asked to deliver a grocery order to the outskirts of town, he realizes he’s at the home of Malia Agbayani, also known as the Creature. Malia stopped going to school when her acute eczema spread to her face, and the bullying became too much.
As the two become friends, other kids tease Etan for knowing the Creature. But he believes he might have a cure for Malia’s condition. If only he could convince his family and hers to believe it, too. Even if it works, will these two outcasts find where they fit in?
Middle Grade Book Suggestions #6
Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen
This novel follows the journey of Cole Matthews, a troubled teenager sent to a remote Alaskan island as part of a rehabilitation program. Through his experiences in the wilderness and his encounters with a mysterious bear, Cole learns about self-reflection, healing, and the power of forgiveness.
Middle Grade Book Suggestions #7, #8, & #9
The Teddies Saga by Daniel Kraus
Book One
Finding a child becomes a quest for an abandoned teddy bear.
Buddy is not just any stuffed bear, but a blue Furrington Teddy with a real silk heart. So why did he wake up in a landfill with other Furringtons of varying hues?
The more pressing matter is escaping Trashland. The teddies wany to connect with a child and achieve a peaceful forever sleep. Buddy and his new friends set out on a journey through the city to find children who will want them.
As they encounter other Furringtons in disarray, the first book in The Teddies Saga series becomes a mystery about why these teddies are being harmed in the first place.
The narrative follows the teddy’s adventures and survival. It also focuses on Buddy’s inner struggles as he ponders identity, leadership, and other dilemmas.
Book Two
In the second installment of The Teddies Saga, the bears resume their quest to find who made them.
The second book picks up months after the first book. Buddy and his teddy friends have been living a stable life, mostly hidden under Darling’s bed. When the girl’s mother discovers them and becomes outraged, the teddies embark on another journey.
Still yearning for the love of a child and encouraged by a final story, they decide to find the Suit and his factory and demand that he fix them.
Book Three
The teddies discover the answers to their greatest mysteries in the final of the three-book series.
Picking up where They Stole Our Hearts (2021) left off, the remaining teddies—Sunny, Reginald, Nothing, and their committed leader, Buddy—have found Proto, the first Furrington Teddy made by the Creator.
Once again, the teddies set off on a mission, this time to the courthouse to find the Suit who made them dangerous to children. Once again, their plans take them in unexpected directions as they attend a community protest against the Suit and help a human kid with scars of his own find his place in the world.
The final book is less adventurous than the first two. The story comes full circle, revealing the answer to the question that kicked off the saga—why the teddies were thrown away. The third book also remembers teddy pals lost along the way.
Middle Grade Book Suggestions #10
Since Ellie wore a whale swimsuit and made a big splash at her fifth birthday party, she’s been bullied about her weight.
To cope, she tries to live by the Fat Girl Rules—like “no making waves,” “avoid eating in public,” and “don’t move so fast that your body jiggles.” And she’s found her safe space—her swimming pool—where she feels weightless in a fat-obsessed world.
In the water, she can stretch herself out like a starfish and take up all the room she wants. It’s also where she can get away from her pushy mom, who thinks criticizing Ellie’s weight will motivate her to diet.
Fortunately, Ellie has her dad, her therapist, and her new neighbor, Catalina. They love Ellie for who she is.
With this support, Ellie might finally be able to set aside the Fat Girl Rules and starfish in real life—by being her fabulous self.
Middle Grade Book Suggestions #11
John Green’s novels are known for their relatable characters and witty writing style.
An Abundance of Katherines follows the story of Colin Singleton, a young prodigy who embarks on a road trip to find meaning in the wake of a breakup.
Paper Towns tells the tale of Quentin Jacobsen’s quest to find the enigmatic Margo Roth Spiegelman.
These books are likely to resonate with middle school students. This makes them excellent choices for teaching literature in an engaging and relatable way.
Middle Grade Book Suggestions #12 & #13
Bonus Books, these two books popped up on Instagram and I had to check it out. I haven’t read it yet, but it is waiting for me to read during winter break.
Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick
Steven has a totally normal life (well, almost).
He plays drums in the All-City Jazz Band. Has a crush on the hottest girl in school, and is constantly annoyed by his younger brother, Jeffrey.
But when Jeffrey gets sick, Steven’s world is turned upside down. Steven is forced to deal with his brother’s illness, his parents’ attempts to keep the family in one piece, his homework, the band, girls, and Dangerous Pie (yes, you’ll have to read the book to find out what that is!).
After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick
Sequel to Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie – the description gives some stuff away, so I’ll say that I plan to read it.
Why These are Great Suggestions for Reluctant Readers
Engaging and Fast-Paced Stories
Many of these books have compelling, fast-paced, and suspenseful plots that can grab the attention of reluctant readers. For example, Scythe and Unwind by Neal Shusterman are full of action and intrigue, making them hard to put down. Alone by Megan E Freeman, written in verse, offers a unique and accessible format that can make the story more engaging.
Accessible Language and Writing Styles
All these books are written in a way accessible to middle school readers. They use clear and straightforward language. This can be less intimidating for reluctant readers who may struggle with more complex vocabulary and syntax.
Relatability
These books often address issues that middle school students may encounter in their own lives. Topics like friendship, identity, and personal challenges. Reluctant readers are more likely to engage with stories that resonate with their experiences.
